WCDS soccer falls to Shannon Forest

The post-game overflow of emotion indicated just how long Wayne Country Day's season-ending loss is going to sting.

Kyle Bradley scored the game-winning goal late in the second 10-minute overtime and Shannon Forest (S.C.) defeated Wayne Country 3-2 in the first round of the NCISAA 1-A state playoffs. The Chargers finished the season 7-9-1. It was the final game for six seniors.

The Crusaders struck early as Tyler Bradley collected a long rebound and fired a shot into an empty net to give Shannon Forest a 1-0 lead. Max Kieken extended the lead off Kyle Bradley's assist in the 12th minute.

Wayne Country Day was held to one shot on goal in the first half.

Ramel Carpenter won a loose ball inside the 18-yard box and slipped it past Crusaders' keeper Nicholas Miron to pull the Chargers within 2-1. Matthew Kierski tied the game at 2-2 late in the second half on Parker Smith's assist.

"In the first half we were down and we had a little bit of a change in shape at halftime," Wayne Country Day head coach Steve Ellis said. "They kicked it up in the second half and deserved to be back in the game."

Cody Neal nearly put the Chargers in front in the second 10-minute overtime period as his point-blank shot was turned away by Miron as he charged out of the goal.

Kyle Bradley unleashed a shot from outside the 18-yard box that found its way through heavy traffic and past Wayne Country Day keeper Zach Brewer-Kirby for the game-winner late in the second overtime.

"It was through a crowd and the keeper is going to see it late regardless," Ellis said. "It is just one of those things. Our year has gone well and we've played the toughest schedule the school has ever played. The example the seniors have passed on to the rest of the boys is going to be good going forward."